Audio-Technica ATH-M40x vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
The Verdict
The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) sit in the same category and end up appealing to slightly different buyers. The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is the cheaper of the two at $99 versus $449, a difference of about $350. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) is the newer release, which usually means a faster chipset and longer software support. Audio-Technica ATH-M40x stands out for flatter, more neutral tuning than the m50x — preferred by some engineers, while Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) is praised for 30 hours battery with anc, 45 hours without. Use the side-by-side spec table below to compare cameras, displays, battery life and connectivity in detail and decide which one fits your priorities.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x if…
- →Flatter, more neutral tuning than the M50x — preferred by some engineers
- →Excellent value at $99 for professional-grade monitoring
- →Lightweight at 240 g for comfortable extended mixing sessions
Buy the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) if…
- →30 hours battery with ANC, 45 hours without
- →USB-C lossless digital audio support
- →Improved adaptive ANC algorithm
Pros & Cons
Audio-Technica ATH-M40x
Pros
- Flatter, more neutral tuning than the M50x — preferred by some engineers
- Excellent value at $99 for professional-grade monitoring
- Lightweight at 240 g for comfortable extended mixing sessions
- Foldable and portable with detachable cables
- Reliable build quality trusted by studios globally
Cons
- Wired only — no wireless option
- Bass response is intentionally restrained — not for bass lovers
- Ear pads are thin and may need replacement for comfort
- Plastic build feels less premium than metal competitors
- No carrying case included
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
Pros
- 30 hours battery with ANC, 45 hours without
- USB-C lossless digital audio support
- Improved adaptive ANC algorithm
- Multipoint Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity
- New Cinema Mode for spatial video audio
Cons
- Price increased to $449
- 250g is heavier than some competitors
- No aptX Lossless codec support
Full Specifications
| Spec | Audio-Technica ATH-M40x | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 240 g | 250 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | N/A (wired) | 30 hours (ANC on), 45 hours (ANC off) |
| Charging | N/A | USB-C |
| Drivers | 40mm large-aperture dynamic driver | — |
| Features | Flat, neutral frequency response for accurate monitoring, 40mm drivers with rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire, 90-degree swiveling ear cups, 2 detachable cables included, Foldable for portability, Circumaural design | Immersive Audio (spatial audio), Cinema Mode for video, USB-C lossless digital audio, Adaptive ANC algorithm, Google Fast Pair, Spotify Tap |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive | |
| Bluetooth | None (wired only) | 5.4 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | — |
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in headphones, see all Audio-Technica products or all Bose products. View full details for the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x or the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen).